Doggie-kiddie fun

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - My four-legged fur baby Mellie reached a milestone last month. The old broad turned 12 years old and despite bad knees, dry skin and poor eyesight, she’s still a puppy in many ways. She’s my daughter’s best friend and faithful sleeping companion and never fails to engage my son in a game of “let’s tug at your socks until they’re no longer covering your toes.”

My Sweet Mellie

She’s our family’s little mascot, a black-and-white fur creature who has taught my kids that love comes in many shapes and forms, and that a sweet lick on the face, vigorous tail wag and little buddy who is always up for a game of catch are worth the small price of having to hand-feed her and pick up her poop.

I am the first person to admit that providing your kids with an opportunity to grow up with a four-legged friend is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Having to care for a dog, or any pet for that matter, instills them with sense of compassion that will shape the way they treat and see others less vulnerable than them.

Providing your kids and pets opportunities to play and enjoy each other’s company will strengthen the bonds between them. In the process of play, your kids will learn to value their canine counterparts.

Keep reading for three wonderful activities that will engage your kids and their pooch. .

DINE WITH YOUR DOGGIE

Outdoor dining at Lorenzo’s Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret gives families a chance to enjoy delicious food in an environment that welcomes and celebrates their love for their dogs. After all, the restaurant’s namesake is hotel owners’ Richard and Lois Nicotra’s very own pup, Lorenzo.

Great exercise and outdoor bonding activity. Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome, as long as they are able to hike on a leash and be around other people and dogs. Dress for hiking in the weather conditions and bring some drinking water for you, your child and your parched pooch.

Drawbacks

Event is two months away. But since it’s limited to 12 people and their canine companions, you should reserve your spot now!

Overall

A chance for kids to get familiar with nature and fit with their pooch among a community of dog lovers.

According to Arden Moore, author of “Dog Parties: How to Party with Your Pup,” a great way to help your child and pooch develop a bond at an early age is to let your child plan a party for their best furry friend.

Age appeal

All.

Cost

A backyard party for eight dogs with a dog-friendly cake, invitations, small take-home gifts, prizes and decorations can range from $40 to $100. What kids will go gaga for

Creating invitations, making doggy treats before the party like Marvelous Mutt Meatballs (edible for dogs and people) and playing games like: Snoopy Says; the canine version of Simon Says. The rules are simple: people-dog teams must comply with your command whenever you say, “Snoopy says.” So when you say, “Snoopy says sit your dog,” people must get their dogs to sit. But if you simply say, “Sit your dog,” people who do so are eliminated from the competition.

Parent perks

At dog parties, kids get to interact with friendly dogs in a supervised setting and help families live in a moment where dogs take center stage.

Drawbacks

Be careful who you invite. Only dogs who are up to date on their vaccinations and well-mannered should be invited.

Overall

Dogs are born party animals. They like to romp, chase, wrestle, be included in activities and meet and greet. Dog parties provide an opportunity to initiate play with a purpose and to sneak in reinforcement of good manners.

Information

For more ways to host a dog party, check out http://fourleggedlife.com/shop/books-by-arden/. On Friday, June 24, from 6 to 8 p.m., the first national dog party day celebration will take place in New York City to benefit the NYC Mayor’s Alliance. Yours truly, Melissa Chapman-Mushnick, will emcee the cake-decorating contest! Get all the details at dogpartyday.com.